For thousands of years frankincense from Oman has been the most sought after in the world, its value historically rivalling that of gold. Fitting, then, that its gentle scent floats in the air to greet you as you step through the huge carved wooden door and into the entrance of Oman’s most luxurious hotel, Al Husn.
With 180 rooms, but feeling much more intimate, Al Husn, is the most upmarket of the three hotels at Shangri-La Muscat’s Barr al Jissah resort. It’s a win-win situation. Guests get the extra privileges of staying at Al Husn but with the benefit of access to the rest of the 124 acre resort and its facilities.
Our deluxe sea view room had a balcony with a fantastic view over the resort and the surrounding barren hills which plunge into the glittering Sea of Oman. Inside, it was furnished in dark wood and fabrics in rich colours. Entertainment is provided by cable/satellite TV and Bose speaker with Bluetooth for connecting your Apple device. There is also a free minibar with beer and soft drinks (replenished daily) and a bathroom with plentiful toiletries and separate walk-in wardrobe area.
Al Husn guests benefit from breakfast; afternoon tea; generously poured pre-dinner drinks; a private 100 metre beach; and a beautiful adults only infinity pool. As soon as you select a lounger at the pool an attendant appears and will lay out your towels and provide a little cool box containing chilled drinks and Evian face spray. They return regularly with a fresh cool box to ensure a constant supply of cold drinks.
Travellers of yore on the frankincense trail did not have the benefits of such pampering but if you are travelling today and looking for luxury in beautiful surroundings, in a fascinating country, you’ll find it at Al Husn.
– From $1150 (sea view deluxe room)
– Possibly my favourite hotel breakfast ever with excellent quality á la carte and buffet offerings
– Free use of kayaks
– Pre-dinner drinks were only for an hour but the waiters were generous
– The resort has a turtle ranger, go at the right time of year and he’ll take you to see endangered turtles hatching on the beach
– Staff at breakfast were somewhat inattentive
– The resort is isolated it’s not very easy to pop out in the evening
Steve & Candice
Review Team
I fly into Quito late at night, but my driver is waiting patiently for me and whisks me to Cultura Manor (previously named Boutique Hotel Café Cultura), along the way pointing out sites and explaining just how high we are above sea level. A welcoming smile is waiting at the gate when we arrive, and I’m escorted to my suite. The huge bouquet of roses on the fireplace mantel smells heavenly.
I see sunshine out the window and stretch, refreshed after a comfortable sleep in my pretty room at Café Cultura. Breakfast is a lovely introduction to Ecuador, including “tree tomato” (tamarillo) juice, which my driver said was a must try during my visit.
Cultura Manor is a member of Exclusive Hotels & Haciendas of Ecuador (www.ehhec.com), and the vibe here is indeed exclusive, but also friendly and relaxed. There are 26 rooms, all individualised and unique. Some are in the main building above the beautiful rose-filled lobby, and a few are in surrounding buildings with entrances from a courtyard (there’s even one room with a tree growing through it!).
The hotel is situated halfway between the historic district of Quito and the popular Foch neighbourhood full of restaurants, making both an easy walk. Rooms vary in size and shape, but most have a separate sitting room or area, some have bathtubs and some have showers with jets. All are filled with roses.
Welcome to Ecuador!
From US$109 US inclusive of breakfast
– Big bouquets of roses everywhere
– Working fireplaces to ward off the chill of winter nights at altitude
– A big library and books strewn everywhere
– Hard to find light switches in the dark after a long flight
– No TVs or fridges, if that is important to you
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
You could almost forget you are in the desert as you gaze out at the 150 verdant acres surrounding the Desert Palm boutique resort. Set amidst four championship polo fields on the edge of Dubai the resort provides a quiet refuge from the city.
Our Palm Suite overlooking a polo field was large with a private bar and entertainment system including TV/DVD and Bang and Olufsen sound system (though sadly no instructions) and had an impressive, partially open bathroom with stand alone bath tub. Also available are Pool Villas surrounded by high walls for complete privacy but, lacking any greenery, the pool area feels quite bare.
The main building is well designed with some driftwood-style furniture and equine touches. Horse lovers will enjoy taking the a la carte breakfast by the infinity pool which overlooks a polo field where you may see some of the ponies taking early morning exercise. There is also a riding stable within the complex as well as a fully equipped gym, offering the chance to work up a sweat while enjoying a polo field view.
We ate dinner at Rare restaurant which was pricey but had fine food. However, we did not take to eating in near darkness on the outdoor terrace, barely able to see the costly items on our plate.
Overall we had a pleasant stay in this oasis despite some shortcomings.
– From US870+ per night (Palm Suite)
– The green surroundings
– Being able to watch horses exercise
– Floating bean bags on the lovely infinity pool
– Views across a polo field to the Dubai skyline in the distance
– The great bathroom in the suite
– Not for early birds with the pool and buggies to take you around the large resort not being available before 8am
– Poor value for money at Rare restaurant.
Steve & Candice
Review Team
When I walk into the lovely lobby at Swissôtel Quito, the traffic of this busy city melts away behind me. After an efficient check-in with a warm towel and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, I’m whisked up to my room in the glass elevator overlooking the mountains of Quito.
A knock on the door a minute later — a welcoming treat of a trio of mousses arrives! Vanilla, chocolate and, my favourite, raspberry. Little do I know this is a prelude to deliciousness and service.
Part of the Fairmont group, Swissôtel has the best business and convention hotel in Quito, and has won several awards to prove it. There are 232 guest rooms (plus 43 extended stay executive apartments in a separate tower), equipped with all the necessities and luxuries, including hundreds of tv and audio channels (including in English, a rarity in Ecuador).
Need exercise? There’s a large indoor/outdoor pool, tennis, racquetball and squash courts, and a large gym. Need to relax? Try the sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, or best of all, the excellent spa. Hungry? You have five on-site restaurants to choose from.
Staff are always on the alert for what you might need or want. An example: intrigued by the pillow menu, I wrote down my selection to bring to Reception on the way to dinner. I forgot it in the room, but when I came back from dinner the turndown service person had noticed my note, and the pillows were promptly delivered! Impressive.
From US$209
– Wonderful buffet breakfast full of Ecuadorian, western, and even a few Swiss treats
– Excellent spa: try the chocolate body wrap!
– Gorgeous executive floor and services
– Need to re-login to wifi after your I-device goes to sleep
+593 2 256 8080/ +1 800 637 9477
ventas@swissuio.com
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor